Ahead of tonight’s game at Los Angeles, the Seattle Kraken have activated Berkly Catton from injured reserve (Twitter Link). The top prospect is back 15 days after his week-to-week diagnosis (upper-body injury), last playing on December 6.
Starting out as an organization, Seattle understandably tried to follow the Vegas business model of sorts, and quickly assemble a win-now team. As a result, they missed out on some needed high-end draft capital after Matty Beniers, who in year five is still trying to put it all together. Therefore, Catton, drafted eighth overall in 2024, is the Kraken’s #1 prospect, and is much needed from the franchise to break through as a young star.
The Saskatoon native torched the WHL as a Spokane Chief, concluding his junior career not far from 300 career points. He also earned awards for his sportsmanship. As is usually the case for teenagers entering their professional careers, Catton is still growing, as he has not yet scored a goal in 21 games, but has notched five helpers before the injury.
As was shared two days ago, Seattle chose not to loan him to Team Canada for the upcoming World Junior Championships. Such a decision signals that despite early growing pains at times, the team views Catton as a legitimate key contributor, especially now that Mason Marchment has been shipped out to Columbus. The power forward immediately found his scoring touch as a Jacket, long lost in Seattle, but regardless the focus now is to get the healthy Catton going in a more favorable role.
The Kraken currently rank dead last in goals scored (86), and with their veterans not getting it done, it will be up to the next wave, led by Catton, to create some excitement in 2026 and usher in a new era.
Kraken have been on a roll since trading Marchment. Didn’t expect that.